Iranian-Backed Faction Threatens Civil War in Lebanon

(Newsroom America) -- An Iranian-backed Hezbollah leader said Friday he would foment a civil war in Lebanon if members of the organization are found guilty of attacking and killing former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri in a car bombing in Beirut in 2005.

Fox News, on its Web site, reported that word on the street in Lebanon is that the militant group, known to be supported by Iran, is liable to be indicted for the attack, which also left 22 other people dead.

In a "fiery" speech in Beirut Thursday night, Hassan Nasrallah - Hezbollah's leader - promised massive unrest and civil war if his organization was blamed.

"Any hand that will touch any of them (Hezbollah members) will be cut off," he said. "They must know that very well."

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has warned Syria not to arm Hezbollah, and U.S. officials have criticized Iran in the past for providing the group with arms and funding.

An indictment is expected to be handed down late this year or early next year, Fox News reported.